Whats the difference between a diploma and a certificate

Whats the difference between a diploma and a certificate

Deciding to further your studies is a great decision. But now that you’ve made that choice, you may be confused about the qualifications available to you. Here are the differences between a degree, certificate and a diploma. 

Differences Between a Degree, Certificate and a Diploma

Knowing the differences between a degree, certificate and a diploma can be tricky. But note that all three show a level of achievement that you can be proud of. After reading this post, you’ll know which is best for you and your study needs.

Certificate

Certificates and diplomas are actually quite similar. They both take a shorter time to complete. However, you can finish certificate courses much faster than a diploma course. You could have a certificate in a matter of weeks.

Certificates are focused on industry-specific skills. Employers will therefore often send staff to complete certificate courses. This allows them to gain updated knowledge on how to do their jobs. 

Whats the difference between a diploma and a certificate

Diploma

A diploma takes longer than a certificate but is shorter than a degree. Diploma courses usually last between one to three years. However, if you decide to study part-time, it can take just as long as studying a full-time degree. 

Diplomas may focus on one subject and often have a practical component. So by the time you graduate, you’ll not only have a qualification, but work experience to go along with it. It can also be much cheaper to study than a degree.

Degree

A degree has a much longer study period and is usually studied through a university. There are various levels. The first level is a Bachelor’s degree. This is what is known as an undergraduate programme and can last a minimum of three years.

After successfully completing your undergraduate programme, you can move on to optional postgraduate studies. This is where you’ll do an Honours degree first, then a Master’s and finally a Doctorate (or PhD). These degrees are more research-focused and will require you to write a thesis or dissertation. 

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Last Updated: June 20, 2022

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tamsyn Gallie

Tamsyn Gallie is a Junior Content Writer at Skills Academy. Her aim is to create content that is well-researched, educational and engaging. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, baking and anything that allows her to be creative. She is passionate about lifelong learning and believes it’s never too late to learn something new.